We live in interesting times – a new US President and Brexit are timely reminders that political and economic events, with their consequent impact on markets, taxation and even national citizenship, can be unpredictable. With change, however, comes opportunity. More than ever before, exceptional offshore real estate now represents not only a sound investment alternative but something altogether more tangible in a turbulent world: a place called home that generates memories today and for generations to come.

So why is the purchase of a residence, custom homesite or freehold marina berth at Christophe Harbour particularly timely? 

SAFE HAVEN

In an unpredictable world, with a new US President and Europe in turmoil over Brexit, the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a sanctuary of political independence, financial security, environmental distinction and recreational excellence. When establishing a ‘Plan B Safety Net’ or modifying an existing wealth management strategy, several territories have one financial specialty or another, but very, very few have a combination of economic, legal, political, environmental and recreational advantages that ticks all the ‘safe haven’ boxes.   

EASY ACCESS

St. Kitts has direct flights from many of the world’s major cities, including New York – only 3½ hours non-stop, London, Miami, San Juan, Atlanta, and Toronto. It’s also a regional hub for flights to nearby islands such as Antigua, St. Barths and St. Thomas, and is well served by private charter airlines. The YU Lounge, a private terminal at Basseterre airport, has expanded VIP services for private and commercial air arrivals. Several providers deliver superfast broadband, and St. Kitts is on same time as New York during daylight savings – more than half the year. St. Kitts is very well connected.

ECONOMIC CITIZENSHIP

According to a recent IMF report, HNWIs increasingly see buying citizenship or residency rights as, “a means to improving international mobility, tax planning, and family security.” With no residency requirement, Christophe Harbour real estate and marina berth purchasers and their families are eligible to apply for full St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship together with a St. Kitts passport and consequent visa-free travel to over 130 countries. The program has run successfully since 1984 and is tried and tested. As Dual Citizenship is allowed, this is a huge advantage for foreign nationals who can, without extra paperwork, spend as much time as they like on St. Kitts – even becoming full-time residents should they choose. One side effect of the Brexit vote is to make similar programs in Cyprus and Malta far less attractive.

INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVES

Prospective purchasers have a wide range of real estate opportunities from which to choose: finished homes from $3 million, custom homesites from $700,000, turnkey villas from $1 million, freehold marina berths starting from $1.5 million, and fractional ownership from $475,000. Some properties have water frontage and their own private jetties, while others sit up in the surrounding hills with views either over the marina or out to sea. All qualify for the Economic Citizenship program.

STABILITY

Having gained its full independence from the UK back in 1983, the twin island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a sovereign nation with a stable democratic government elected every five years. Its currency, the EC (Eastern Caribbean) dollar is pegged to the US dollar, with the central bank based in Basseterre. A number of regional banks as well as several international banks including Scotiabank and Royal Bank of Canada also have local branches, plus the Federation has a well-developed financial services sector. 

LANGUAGE

With almost 400 years of British connections, everyone on island speaks and writes English.  The advantage of transparency when dealing with contracts, local administrators, and all those working in the service and construction sectors are not to be underestimated. The only surprise, to some, is the unflagging politeness of most Kittitians: ‘Enjoy the balance of your blessed day’ is a salutation often seen on official correspondence.

TAX

St. Kitts and Nevis has an advantageous personal tax regime with no income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance or gift taxes, and no tax reporting requirements. Under the right circumstances for many foreign investors, expatriation from high-tax nations becomes a serious consideration depending on home country exit tax regulations. Meanwhile there are no restrictions on the repatriation of profits and imported capital. Fuel, imports and provisioning for yachts in the Christophe Harbour marina village are also all duty free. Experienced financial and legal expertise is on-hand for guidance and advice.

TRUSTS

Local laws promote asset protection and discreet estate planning within a dependable, internationally recognized and secure offshore framework. If established correctly, Nevis trusts (within which property can be held) are protected against foreign judgments, virtually impenetrable, and are not known to have been pierced, while still providing a range of acceptable asset class investments and management options. Nevis business corporations are fast and inexpensive to establish, have a high level of privacy, do not require annual reporting, and are exempt from local taxes.

SECURITY OF TITLE

On ownership of freehold land and homes, the inherited English legal system confers simplicity and certainty in the form of deeded title. Berth ownership at Christophe Harbour is also freehold – unlike the traditional leasehold model – so deeded title and a berth are owned in perpetuity. 

LIFESTYLE

The superyacht marina, beach club at The Pavilion, award-winning SALT Plage bar, dozens of finished homes and construction infrastructure are already in place. A Tom Fazio golf course – the fourth 18-holer on the two islands – and marina village will soon be ready. Pristine sandy beaches, sailing, diving, fishing, tennis, cycling, hiking up 3,792ft Mt. Liamuiga, 400 years of colonial history, a vibrant nightlife, and ecotourism featuring rare sea turtles, all make St. Kitts and Nevis a world-class lifestyle destination. Chic St. Barths is just a scheduled 15-minute flight away, so leisurely day trips taking in the island’s vibrant cuisine and fashionable boutiques are easy to arrange. All in all, a residence at Christophe Harbour will create memories today and for generations to come.

CLIMATE

The sub-tropical climate is remarkably mild. Daily temperatures average 82F (28C) year round, only going down to 70F (21C) on the coldest winter nights. The sea temperature seldom falls below 79F (26C). St. Kitts gets less than 55 inches of rain a year, with the southeast peninsular on which Christophe Harbour is situated being the driest part of the island, so with the northeast trade winds providing gentle natural air conditioning, high humidity is never a problem.

PARK HYATT ST. KITTS

Opening in mid-2017, the brand new five-star 134-key hotel on Banana Bay is the first Park Hyatt in the Caribbean and the latest addition to the Christophe Harbour community. Having access to a full-service spa, restaurants, business and sporting facilities, not to mention overflow accommodation for family and friends, is a huge plus for Christophe Harbour residents, although such is the layout of the peninsular, they will hardly be aware a major resort is just next door.

FULLY OPERATIONAL SUPERYACHT MARINA

The first phase of the marina now offers: full-service berths for yachts up to 250’, duty-free fueling with ultra-low-sulphur diesel dispensed at 125 US gallons a minute, 24/7 security with concierge and provisioning services, basin depth up to 18.5 feet, entry channel 105 feet wide, 18.5 feet deep, and onsite expedited customs clearance. The marina is sheltered from the prevailing wind making it a natural hurricane hole. Cruising distance to Antigua - 55 miles, to St. Barths – 55 miles, Nassau – 1,075 miles, and Miami – 1,265 miles.

Over the next few years, Christophe Harbour will become the premier destination marina and resort community in the Eastern Caribbean. View our available Caribbean island real estate ownership opportunties, and contact Christophe Harbour today to learn more and schedule your Discovery visit.